Reason Number Three to Love Europe
la parapluie
First purchase for our new home! We passed by a flea market and this pitcher-turned-umbrella holder caught Angelo’s eye. Opting to sightsee rather than lug it around, we decided to take our chances. Hours later, upon return, I waited on a stone wall with our parcels (hard to negotiate prices when one has obviously been…
In Brugge, Part 3
Places of interest: Stadhuis (City Hall): Gothic facade depicts biblical and sovereign figures (the original statues were removed during the French Revolution, then destroyed in 1792. The current ones are from the 1970’s). The real prize is the second-floor Gotische Zaal with its stunning murals and friezes. Well worth a look. Groeninge Museum: I’m not a…
In Brugge, Part 2
Where we ate, drank and stayed: ‘T Bagientje: avoid the touristy cafes and sit on the porch to enjoy a Brujse Zot dubbel beer. Chocolat oe Praline: every chocolate shop claims it is the best. I didn’t try them all, but I can assure you Chocolat oe Praline was a standout. De Postilijon: lunch here…
In Brugge
I had my doubts about how The Venice of the North would compare. I’ve been to other places called the So-and-So of Such-and-Such, and guess what? Generally, it’s better for cities to claim their own identities because otherwise visitors get all excited and are, of course, subsequently let down. However, although Brugge is teeny-tiny, it…